Kings banking on local support in crucial Pro League clash
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Kings FC head coach Ben Cahn is hoping a passionate home crowd at the National Stadium in Honiara will provide the spark his side needs as the OFC Pro League Round 4 kicks off today.
The Kings will face Auckland FC at 7:00pm this evening, after the opening match between Hekari United FC and South Island United FC earlier this afternoon.
Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Island Sun shortly after the official press conference yesterday, Cahn said playing in front of home supporters could play a decisive role.
“I’m hoping it’s a big advantage.
“We had a lot of supporters from the Solomon community in Melbourne and I know the boys responded really well. When they got tired and it got difficult, looking out and seeing all the Solo flags was a really special moment for them,” Cahn said.
He believes a similar atmosphere in Honiara could give the players the extra push they need during difficult moments in the match.
“Of course, being at home and having so many people at the game and interested in the game can add pressure as well.
“So, it’s really important that we start the game well, start with a good tempo and keep the crowd on our side,” he said.
The Kings currently sit among the top three teams in the competition standings, putting them in a strong position as the tournament progresses.
Cahn said the immediate objective is clear — secure a place in the top four before the competition splits.
“Well, the competition format splits into top four and bottom four.
“If you want to go to the finals, it’s a big advantage to be in the top four, so our goal is very simple — make sure that by the end of the round in Fiji we’re in the top four before the split and then go to Auckland,” he said.
Despite their strong position, the coach admitted that the team still has areas that need improvement following a demanding run of matches earlier in the competition.
He pointed to the Kings’ recent match against South Melbourne FC as one that did not fully reflect the team’s true performance level.
“We had four games in 11 days.
“They only had three games and an extra day’s rest, which in this format of competition is really important. I’m not too harsh on the boys because they gave everything. It was just one game too many in such a short period of time,” Cahn said.
Cahn emphasized that the project at Solomon Kings is about more than just immediate results.
“From day one I’ve said it’s a long-term project.
“It’s about building the Kings, building for the national team and building for the future generations in the Solomon Islands. We want to improve everything so that we can become a really strong force in Oceania football in the years to come,” he said.
The coach also used the opportunity to thank supporters across the country for the warm reception he has received since taking up the role.
“On a personal note, I’ve been so humbled and grateful for the welcome and the support everyone has shown.
“I’m not from the Solomon Islands, but I feel like I’m a Solomon Islander already,” Cahn said.
He urges fans to pack the stands and support the team through every moment of the match.
“Win, lose or draw, I promise the boys will give everything.
“I really hope we see as many people as possible in the stands on Saturday supporting the team through the highs and lows of the game,” he said.
With the home crowd expected to turn out in numbers, the Kings will be hoping that the energy from the stands can help carry them one step closer to the Pro League finals.
Photo credit: OFC
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